JEFFERSONVILLE — A deal has finally been struck.
After going through several drafts of the downtown marina and riverfront improvement project, the Jeffersonville city council and mayor have found one they can all agree on.
The council Monday unanimously approved using TIF, or tax increment financing, dollars not to exceed $3 million with $150,000 in contingencies to be used for the project — among other stipulations — that could start construction in two weeks.
“I’m very pleased the city council and I were able to come to an agreement,” Mayor Mike Moore said.
The resolutions require that the project include shoreline improvements, green space, landscaping and a minimum of 10 docks. The redevelopment commission will be solely responsible for maintaining the marina, lifting any financial burdens from the parks department.
Similar resolutions were approved about a year ago for a much bigger and less expensive version of the project, but plans had to be changed in August when estimates came back a few million dollars more than the $2.2 million cap.
The council wanted to make sure the council could all agree on a plan before the project was voted on — but they also didn’t want the cost to be too high.
“We’re expecting a quality project, and we’re anxious to get a quality project,” Councilman Nathan Samuel said.
The project — designed by engineering firm Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz, Inc. — originally included 50 docks, both for rent and for temporary use, as well as a fishing pier. Current designs could be just the first phase of the project because there would be room to add on later.
Shore stabilization, a concrete walkway and stairs and a road are also part of the designs.
“I’m excited to finally get the project going,” Council Vice President Lisa Gill said. “I think it’s going to really add to the riverfront.”
Moore said that previous bids can still be used because the project wasn’t changed too substantially, other than the number of docks. Now that Jeffersonville has a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, low bidder MAC Construction can begin tearing out the existing dilapidated docks.
The project is expected to take about 11 months to complete.
“We’re definitely a vibrant growing community and tonight’s vote is one more step in that direction,” Moore said.